Director Jan Julia said, "The story is about Charles Condomine who is writing a book about a (homicidal) medium. Since he doesn't know much about psychics, he thinks it best to get material for his book by having a séance."

Charles decides to have the séance in his tranquil, country home. Charles doesn't really believe in mediums, but he wants to observe how they work. "He doesn't actually believe in the occult," said Julia.

Neither does family physician and old friend Dr. Bradman, played by Bob Otto. "The doctor is a man of science," Otto said.

Also at this gathering is the doctor's young wife, and the second Mrs. Condomine, Ruth.

This medium is no fraud, however. She does materialize a spirit; and to Ruth's horror, it is the spirit of Charles' first wife, the long dead Elvira, whom Charles dearly loved. For her part, Elvira is determined to wreck Charles' marriage to that new interloper. What happens next must just be experienced, but the show is nonstop rollicking holiday fun.

"The play takes place in England in 1941 and is a British 'comedy of manners' or 'living room comedy,' " said Julia.

"Blithe Spirit" set British non-musical play box office records with 1,997 consecutive performances. Its first production was directed by Coward.

It enjoyed many West End revivals, including those at the Globe (now Gielgud) Theatre in 1970, National Theatre in 1976, Vaudeville Theatre in 1986, and at the Savoy Theatre in 2004. The New York premiere of the play took place at the Morosco Theatre in 1941, and it was revived at the Neil Simon Theatre in 1986.

"Blithe Spirit" will be presented again at the Shubert Theatre in 2009 with Angela Lansbury slated to be Mme Arcati.

The play was adapted into the musical "High Spirits" in 1964, which ran more than 300 performances on Broadway. "Blithe Spirit" also had a film version in 1945, adapted by Coward.

Coward starred in an American TV 1956 adaptation of the play. The television version was also presented on the Hallmark Hall of Fame in 1966. The play is often seen produced by amateur groups, school groups and community theaters. It has never been totally out of production since its inception.

Julia noted that Coward was "one of the best-known playwrights, musicians, and directors, who once had five shows on London's Broadway at the same time, and he went to school only until he was 11 years old."

Julia said, "This is one of the best casts I have ever worked with. They all show enthusiasm, willingness to take risks, work hard, experiment, and have fun." Julia, who graduated from Syracuse University as a theater major, has been directing plays in New Jersey for 17 years.

Sarah Perlin, who plays Elvira Condomine, said, "I played this (role) in high school. I want my parents to see a better show than they saw six years ago."

Taylor Whidden, who plays Ruth Condomine, said that she is exploring "a very common problem that many women have — how to live under the shadow of the first wife."

Whidden said that her character had long been haunted by the memory of Elvira. She often wondered: "Was she prettier than me? Was she a better wife than me?" Whidden said.

Whidden noted that when such questions bothered her character, Ruth could talk them over with Charles who might have been able to "sugar them up a bit." "But when Elvira materializes, these questions become much too imminent and painful. Ruth can't deny the relationship that Charles and Elvira had had," Whidden said.

Julia added, "Charles, however, is very wrapped up in himself. He has a tremendous ego and is very self-centered. He loves to make fun of people. His ego is based on putting people down."

Kessler said, "He often likes to torment Ruth with Elvira's memory, but with Elvira present, he can't do that any more. Because of that, his appreciation of life begins to diminish. His friends and his life seem to become valueless."

Chrystyna Zenovia, who plays Mme. Arcati, said that her character "enters people's lives to loosen them up a bit." She added, "Mme. Arcati enjoys something different. She herself is different, but she wants people to look beyond the differences, accept them, and have fun with them."